ALPHA QUEEN

ISABELLA

I look at myself for the umpteenth time in the elevator mirror to make sure that my beige trench coat is still on and that no one can see that I'm only in my underwear underneath. I still can't believe I'm going to catch Dominic in his office wearing nothing but sexy lingerie under my trench coat and a pair of six-inch pumps. But I think it's necessary, after he cheated on me a few months ago, I've been questioning myself a lot and it's true that I've let myself go for a while. The higher Dom climbed the corporate ladder, the more time I spent alone, and working from home didn't help matters either. I tried to take better care of myself, to surprise him with romantic dinners, but I don't feel I've made any real progress with him.

The elevator doors open and I walk out with my head held high. Come on, girl, you can do it! I encourage myself. I cross the corridor with its immaculate white walls and I pass Marissa's desk, Dominic's assistant, who rises abruptly from her chair, eyes wide.

"Mrs. Jenkins, you can't go in there.” She tries to block my way, but she's not quick enough. "Just let me let him know you're coming!" She shouts, but I refuse to let her spoil my surprise.

I open the office door and my world comes crashing down. The smile on my face slowly fades away. Have you ever experienced a scene and not really known whether your brain is playing tricks on you or whether it's really happening? Well, that's exactly what I'm experiencing. Harsh reality hits me in the face. Dom's back is to me, screwing Helen, one of the firm's partners, who's sitting on the desk. She's the first to notice me and her moans stop abruptly.

"Dom! Your... wife." She says and he stops dead in his tracks.

A few seconds pass before he turns his head without even bothering to pull his cock out of his fucking colleague.

"Isa, could you please get out? I'm kind of busy." He tells me calmly and the redheaded bitch giggles.

He looks at me with disdain in his blue eyes. On his desk right next to them, I see the photo of me I'd given him for his first day. I wanted him to think of me while he worked hard. And now he's screwing that slut right under my nose, and the humiliation isn't bad enough, he has to act smart in front of her. That's what it took for me to realize that no matter what I do, things will never get better. I'm not the problem, he is. How could I have been so blind and naive?

I look him straight in the eyes holding my head high, my jaw set and turn around, slamming the door behind me.

"I'm sorry..." I hear Marissa's voice from a distance but I don't bother to look at her. She knew exactly what that bastard was doing behind my back, which is why she didn't want me to go in. Who else knew about this? I feel like the joke's on me. I keep my eyes aimed at the elevator. I refuse to be taken for a fool any longer. I deserve better than this masquerade of a wedding. Better than this asshole who continually disrespects me.

The elevator doors open and I press 3 to Freddie's office. He specializes in divorce, and even though he works for the same firm as Dom, I know he'll defend my interests, being a friend of my parents.

When I reach his secretary's desk, I cross my arms in front of my trench coat, suddenly aware of what I'm wearing.

"Hello, I wanted to know if Freddie was available. If he isn't, I'll make an appointment later..."

"He is available, Isabella. Is everything all right?" She asks me, concerned.

"No," I tell her, shaking my head as I fight to keep the tears from flowing. I refuse to shed one more tear for this fucker.

She knocks on the office door before announcing to me. Freddie rises from his chair as I enter, wearing his eternal blue three-piece suit, bringing out his eyes of the same color. Gray hair has replaced the blond hair I remember from my childhood.

"Isabella..."

"I want a divorce. As soon as possible." I cut him off. "I just want him out of my life, I don't care about the money or the apartment. I just want him out of my life." I tell him, tightening my arms around me.

"Did he hurt you? If he did..." He tells me as he slowly approaches me.

"Not physically." I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I want out of this marriage. I can't anymore... I don't have the strength..."

"Don't worry, if that's what you want I'll do what's necessary." He says before taking me in his arms.

"Thank you, Freddie." I sniff.

"I promised your father I'd always be there for you and I intend to keep my promise." He kisses the top of my head. "Would you like me to ask Alex to get your things from your place? You can stay with Rebecca and me for a while if you want."

"Thanks, but I don't want to impose. Maybe Alex..."

"Stop it, you know you're the daughter we never had. Alex already lives with two roommates and while I don't think he'd mind, I think you need some peace right now."

“Thank you. Thanks for everything."

By the time I got to Freddie and Rebecca's, I was already receiving messages from Alex asking me what he should pack. Still, I feel lucky to have people in my life I can count on. I just can't wait to be done with Dominic and move on from the disrespect, lies and betrayal.